Driving in C . r . is not for all.  So ensure you know what you're looking at prior to getting behind the wheel of an car in Cr.  The following would be the 7 normally asked questions about driving in Cr.  These questions are available in from my popular podcast about Costa Rica from folks from your U.S., Canada, and Europe.

car rental costa rica

1. What sort of cars are for sale to rent?

Hiring a car in C . r . is more epensive than in the U.S. so a lot of people rent small scaled-down cars which might be a bit cheaper.

Prices vary and during the high season you will pay more.  Around $20 or maybe more each day.  Renting during Christmas/New Years will prove to add another $50 or maybe more per week.  I checked out five rental car company cars in Panama and nicaragua , and also the average for renting a smaller car like a Toyota Yaris will cost around $205 weekly. You should be aware this does not range from the essental to law insurance that will add at least $10-20 each day.  So you're looking at $250-300 to rent a smaller car weekly.

You will find virtually all of the car hire agencies in Costa Rica for example Hertz, Avis, Dollar, Budget, among others.

car hire costa rica

2. Is driving a good idea?

This will depend.  Driving in Cr in comparison with other countries could be a very scary proposition for the majority of.  Costa Rica has one of several highest vehicle accident rates on the planet.  Traffic laws and speed limits will often be ignored.  Crazy and illegal turns across lanes of traffic are typical.  Turn signals hardly ever used and dangerous passing is common.  So you could driving on your lane when out of the blue here comes an automobile within your lane going the wrong way as they are creating a blind spot.  The roads will be in poor condition, and huge potholes which may cause serious problems for your car is normal.

Even though the road conditions inside the beach areas are worse the specific driving isn't as scary since there is less traffic because the roads aren't the top people often drive somewhat slower.

I prefer to have my own transportation so leasing a car is one thing I love to do however it will depend in your comfort level.  I've had family and friends who had never driven outside the U.S. they found driving to get scary but an enjoyable adventure.  So simply take it simple and slow and will also be fine.  Don't be worried about another drivers, accomplish your lifestyle.

3. Must i need rental-car insurance?

For legal reasons you'll need the INS (Instituto Nacional de Seguros) insurance irrespective of your personal motor insurance coverage or plastic card coverage.  The insurance essental to law is called TPL, SLI, SLC or API.  The cost ranges from $10-20 USD per day depending on the vehicle.  This insurance only covers damages along with other people, cars, or property.  You will likely need to buy supplemental coverage to cover damages for the rental car or yourself.  However your own personal car insurance policy or charge card might cover that contact your insurance professional in your own home before leaving for C . r . and have him or her if the insurance policies covers you for damages in Costa Rica.  You might additionally want to call your bank card issuer and have them a similar question.  If your individual policy covers you in Costa Rica you're set and you also have no need for the supplemental coverage.  If they cannot cover you, then I suggest applying for a supplemental policy available from car rental agencies.

Dean Krieg

Optional-CDW or LDW - collision damage waiver which covers the price tag on the car's deductible amount which varies with regards to the form of car and agency.  The cost will cover anything from $10-20 USD every day.

Optional-Zero Liability - This may lower your liability to zero against theft and vandalism, as an example, the cost because of this insurance coverage is between $5-20 USD each day with regards to the agency and car.

As we discussed the supplemental insurance cost may add up fast so it's crucial that you check with your agent plus your bank card company since you probably won't even require optional/supplemental coverage.

Should your insurance agent will give you the thumbs up do us a favor and acquire it on paper!  You will not want any surprises.

4. What are rental car requirements in C . r .?

Requirements can vary with regards to the car agency you utilize check with them.  Most have to have a valid driving license (one from your own home state or country is ok), a current passport together with your entry stamp, the Cr mandated liability insurance, and also you should be no less than 21 years.

5. Would it be safe they are driving during the night?

The issue driving through the night just isn't crime, it's just the unsafe driving and poor road conditions that are compounded more serious when you have poor visibility.  The roads usually are not lit up well also it gets pitch dark after 6:00 PM so that it is unsafe to drive for an inexperienced driver.

6. What are road conditions like?

The road the weather is bad in comparison to the super highways of the us or perhaps the Autobahn in Germany.  Drivers must handle unsafe driving habits of motorists, huge potholes, and even the highway is a two-lane road.  The roads deteriorate throughout the rainy season since road washouts from your mudslides from your mountains are common.

7. What side in the road would they drive on in Panama and nicaragua ,?

For the right hand side, such as the U.S. and Canada.

One final tip

Create a copy in the profile page of your passport plus your entry stamp and carry by investing in you along with your car hire papers.  You may get stopped by police and you will must show this to them.  Do no carry your passport along only make copies.  The Costa Rican government now enables you to carry copies as an alternative to your actual passport.